Patents by Inventor James A. Jorasch

James A. Jorasch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH GAME PLAY MODIFICATIONS
    Publication number: 20140031106
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for offering a benefit to a player of a first electronic game device. In an embodiment, the method includes determining if a player of a first electronic game device qualifies to receive at least one benefit associated with an award value, and then outputting an offer to provide the at least one benefit. In some embodiments, the offer requires use of a second electronic game device. The method may also include receiving a request for the benefit at the second electronic game device, and then providing at least one benefit to the player. In some embodiments, the offer includes such benefits as additional game play, one or more bonus-round game outcomes, a monetary payout, a game play modification, additional comp points, loss insurance, a multimedia option, and acquisition of at least one unit of media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Method and system for video poker
    Patent number: 8636573
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method including steps of populating a primary set of card positions with a first set of initial cards, determining at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards, replacing the at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards with replacement cards to form a final set of cards, and determining whether to include the at least one discarded card in at least one secondary set of card positions. If the at least one discarded card is to be included in the at least one secondary set of card positions, the method further provides for populating the at least one secondary set of card positions with the at least one discarded card. Some embodiments of the present invention also provide for determining a payout based on at least the final set of cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Jason Krantz, Victor M. Garcia, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE THROUGH PROVIDING CROSS-BENEFITS DURING A TRANSACTION
    Publication number: 20140025463
    Abstract: Accordingly some embodiments, a merchant server receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant of a purchase of at least one item from a first merchant. The customer agrees to participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant in exchange for having the subsidy applied against the purchase from the first merchant. In one embodiment, after selling the at least one item to the customer, the merchant server determines that the customer did not participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant as the customer agreed to, and assesses a penalty against the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Walker Digital Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, John M. Packes, JR., James A. Jorasch
  • Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card
    Patent number: 8632005
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide for detecting a physical change (e.g., via a sensor of a transaction card), and, in response to detecting the physical change, producing an output signal promoting use of a financial account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Michael D. Downs, Robert C. Tedesco
  • GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES
    Publication number: 20140018176
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Adaptive, portable, multi-sensory aid for the disabled
    Patent number: 8630633
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is used to assist individuals with disabilities. The mobile terminal (e.g., a “smartphone” or other commercially available wireless handheld device) may be loaded with software. The software may be configured to: (i) receive information about a sensory deficit associated with a user, (ii) receive information about a sensory proficiency associated with the user, (iii) determine whether an event associated with a sensory deficit satisfies a criterion, and if so (iv) provide an assistive output based on a sensory proficiency and the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: HandHold Adaptive, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch
  • Systems and methods wherein a security deposit facilitates a transaction in which a benefit is applied in exchange for performance of a task
    Patent number: 8630896
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems are described wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. In an embodiment, a process includes receiving an indication that a customer is interested in making a purchase during a transaction from a merchant, and transmitting an offer for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer and a security deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michiko Kobayashi, Andrew P. Golden, Scott B. Allison, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Timothy A. Palmer, James A. Jorasch, Elizabeth Delamater
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING WITH ALTERNATE VALUE PAYOUTS
    Publication number: 20140011580
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • System to determine casino offers
    Patent number: 8622819
    Abstract: A system to determine a product to be offered to a casino player based on player data and on an approximate maximum price for which the product may be sold through a retail channel. Advantageously, a potential increase in a casino's profit due to a product offer can be determined using the player data, and an approximate maximum profit attainable through sale of the product through a retail channel can be determined based on the determined price. As a result, a product to offer can be determined in a manner which maximizes casino profit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Russell Pratt Sammon, Magdalena Mik, Nandu A. Talwalkar
  • Method and apparatus for a cryptographically-assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate and support expert-based commerce
    Patent number: 8626667
    Abstract: The present invention is an expert matching method and apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an expert request. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller having a database for storing expert qualifications. In one embodiment, the controller receives an expert request. A search program identifies experts qualified to respond to the expert request. The expert request is then transmitted to the expert, which results in an expert answer transmitted to and received by the central controller. After authentication of the expert answer, using a wide range of security levels from passwords to cryptography, the answer is forwarded to the end user. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional voice telephony systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Community United IP, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, James A. Jorasch
  • System and method for securing electronic games
    Patent number: 8608558
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, apparatus and computer readable medium are provided for facilitating play of a game utilizing an encoded player number and a decoding key for decoding the encoded player number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Schneier, Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Method and apparatus for providing a complimentary service to a player
    Patent number: 8608552
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING VENDING MACHINE OFFERS
    Publication number: 20130331984
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for providing promotions at vending machines, such as by providing vending machine subscriptions to a category of products, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Paul T. Breitenbach, Sih Y. Lee, Vincent M. O'Neil, Paul D. Signorelli, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Method and apparatus for determining a game series comprising a plurality of individually selectable wagering games
    Patent number: 8602863
    Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Method and apparatus for outputting outcomes of a gaming device
    Patent number: 8602872
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for outputting an outcome for a game of a gaming device is presented, wherein the method comprises first outputting an apparent outcome for the game and then outputting an actual outcome for the game. In one or more embodiments, a benefit corresponding to the apparent outcome may not be provided to the player playing the gaming device. For example, a hopper may be prevented from dispensing a payout associated with the apparent outcome. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a character (e.g., an animated character) may be displayed as changing the apparent outcome into the actual outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Russell P. Sammon, Scott T. Friesen
  • GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SLOT DRIVEN VIDEO STORY
    Publication number: 20130324251
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED HEALTH CARE COMPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20130325501
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may provide for improved health care compliance. Embodiments may comprise, for example, identifying an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, determining output information associated with a game, and providing the output information to the patient. Some embodiments may comprise receiving a code associated with a patient, wherein the code includes encoded information that is indicative of an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, decoding the code to determine the information, determining whether the occurrence of the event is compliant with a condition associated with the taking of the substance, and providing, in the case that compliance with the condition is determined, one or more rewards to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Patrick W. Nee, Carson C.K. Fincham, Evan Walker, David Bean, Rajivan Maniam
  • Methods and Apparatus for Managing Network Linked Gambling Video Games
    Publication number: 20130324224
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for team play in video games is provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a gambling game for a player of a first network connected device, and joining a second player from a second networked connected device to a team. The method enables transfer of currency between the first and second players of the team using the networked during play of the gambling game. The method enables debiting an account of a player that transferred the currency and crediting an account of a player that that received the currency, and enabling wagers in the gambling game using the credited currency. The method enables displaying an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device; and displaying an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device, the method being executed by at least one processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdelena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUGGESTING INFORMATION FOR A PHOTO TO A USER ASSOCIATED WITH THE PHOTO
    Publication number: 20130314566
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, systems, methods and computer-readable media provide for receiving, from a user, a first photo image of a first person, identifying a person in the first photo image and accessing a database comprising at least one stored image template (e.g., each stored image template comprising data representing a face of a person and name tag information associated to said person's name). A comparison of the first photo image to the at least one stored image template may then be performed and it may be determined, as a result of the comparing, that the first photo image includes a person's face matching an image template already stored in the database. A name associated with the matching image template may then be output to the user as a suggestion for a tag to associate with the first photo image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: JAY S. WALKER, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING A GAME IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPEED OF PLAY
    Publication number: 20130316807
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman